Summer holidays with SEND: Practical tips for families

The six-week break often brings a change in routine, reduced access to support services and the challenge of keeping everyone happy while balancing work, family life and your own wellbeing. If you're already feeling the pressure to 'make the most' of summer, this is your reminder that your family's version of a successful holiday doesn't have to look like anyone else's.

There is no 'right' way to spend summer

Social media can make it seem as though everyone is filling every day with exciting activities. In reality, many children with SEND thrive on predictability, familiar environments and time to recharge.

A summer filled with small moments of connection can be every bit as valuable as expensive days out. Reading together, baking, playing in the garden, watching a favourite film, building with LEGO, enjoying sensory play or simply taking a walk around the local park all provide opportunities for learning, communication and family time.

If your child is happy, feels safe and has opportunities to enjoy themselves, that's enough.

Keep some routine, but stay flexible

Many children and young people with SEND find comfort in knowing what to expect. While school timetables disappear over the holidays, having a loose daily routine can help reduce anxiety.

You don't need to schedule every hour. Instead, think about creating simple anchors throughout the day, such as:

• A consistent wake-up and bedtime.
• Regular mealtimes.
• Time for movement or outdoor play.
• Quiet time to recharge.
• A favourite daily activity.

Visual timetables or simple calendars can also help children understand what is happening each day, particularly if there are trips or visitors planned.

It's okay to say no

Summer often comes with invitations to parties, family gatherings and busy attractions. While these can be enjoyable, they aren't the right fit for every child.

It's perfectly okay to decline activities that you know will be overwhelming or exhausting for your child - or for you. Choosing fewer activities often means everyone enjoys them more.

Remember, you know your child better than anyone.

Plan for success, not perfection

If you are planning days out, a little preparation can make a big difference.

Think about:

• Visiting attractions during quieter times.
• Bringing familiar snacks, comfort items or sensory tools.
• Checking facilities in advance, such as accessible toilets or quiet spaces.
• Having an exit plan if your child becomes overwhelmed.
• Keeping expectations realistic and celebrating the parts that do go well.

Sometimes the best memory from a day out is simply that everyone managed to enjoy part of it.

Don't forget yourself

Parents and carers often spend the holidays making sure everyone else's needs are met. But looking after yourself matters too.

Whether it's enjoying a quiet cup of tea before everyone wakes up, asking family for help, swapping childcare with another parent or taking ten minutes to sit in the garden, those small moments of rest are important.

You don't have to earn a break.

Celebrate your family's wins

At the end of the summer, try not to measure success by how many places you visited or activities you completed.

Instead, think about the little achievements that matter to your family. Perhaps your child tried a new food, coped well with a change in routine, visited somewhere new, spent time with relatives or simply enjoyed being at home.

These moments count.

Every family is different, and every child's needs are different. A calm, connected summer that works for your family is something to celebrate.

Looking ahead

As the holidays begin to draw to a close, many children and young people with SEND can start to feel anxious about returning to school or moving to a new setting. If you're thinking ahead, our article From school to summer: Supporting children and young people with SEND through the transition shares practical strategies to help make those transitions feel more manageable for the whole family. You can read it here.